Almost a century later, Armagh GAA is looking back on the Junior football team that delivered the county’s first All-Ireland title and made provincial history in the process.
The 1926 Armagh Junior footballers became the first team from Armagh—and from the province of Ulster—to win an All-Ireland title. Their achievement is being remembered 99 years on in an account published by Armagh GAA.
A historic day at Croke Park
The final was played at Croke Park as part of a triple header, alongside the 1927 Leinster Senior Football Final. Armagh had already made an impression at the stadium during their first visit there, wearing the now-famous orange Orchard jerseys for the semi-final against Sligo on 17 October 1926.
After overcoming Sligo in a replay at Breffni Park, the team prepared for the final under the guidance of Frank McGreevy. Armagh arrived in excellent condition and were backed by a huge county following among an attendance estimated at between 9,000 and 10,000.
Dublin opened the scoring through W. Finlay, with M. Gill putting them ahead again. Hugh Arthurs’ free provided Armagh’s first score in an All-Ireland final, before John McCusker struck a goal to give Armagh a lead they would not surrender. The Orchard County led 1-4 to 0-2 at half-time.
Dublin were reduced to 14 players late in the first half when Joe Serlock was sent off. Although Dublin moved a point closer after the restart, John Donaghy responded with two quick goals. Donaghy ultimately scored three goals in the final, while Armagh controlled the rest of the contest.
The final score was Armagh 4-11, Dublin 0-4—a commanding victory that secured the county’s place in GAA history.
Celebrations from Croke Park to Armagh
The victory celebrations began immediately after the final whistle, with the Keady and Bray pipe bands playing for the new All-Ireland champions.
The team’s return journey through the Orchard County was marked by crowds and bonfires along the route. In Armagh, the Keady Pipers Band led the victorious players to the Shambles, where speeches were held. The celebrations continued with a supper, concert and céilí at City Hall.
The team remembered
The players who represented Armagh that day were Charlie Morgan, Harry Cumiskey, captain Gene Hanratty, John Vallely, Joe Harney, Jim Maguire, Owen Connolly, Jack Corrigan, Frank McAvinchey, Francie Toner, Poppy Fearon, James Kernan, John Donaghy, John McCusker and Hugh Arthurs.
Armagh GAA records the scoring contributions as Jack Corrigan (0-1), Frank McAvinchey (0-2), Poppy Fearon (0-2), John Donaghy (3-1), John McCusker (1-3) and Hugh Arthurs (0-2). The substitutes were Gerry Arthurs, Peter Colon and James McEntee, who replaced Frank McAvinchey.
For Armagh supporters, the 1926 triumph remains a landmark moment: a pioneering team, an historic first for the county and Ulster, and a Croke Park victory followed by celebrations that brought the achievement home to the cathedral city.
